Magnum series

Culture

Magnum series

Sunbeam Orange

Photo courtesy of Dümmen Orange

The recently launched Magnum mum line from Dümmen Orange features one of the largest garden mum flowers on the market. With oversized blooms, bright autumnal colors, impressive shelf life, and a well-branched habit, Magnum mums are a no-brainer when it comes to production trials for the 2018 season.

Magnum mums generally follow the same cultural practices that can be applied to the entire Dümmen Orange lineup of garden mums. The detailed, all-encompassing guide can be found under the “Tools for You” section of the Dümmen Orange website. However, there are certain cultural recommendations growers can follow to ensure success, while simultaneously maximizing the size of their Magnum mum flowers.

Pinching

All Dümmen Orange garden mums perform best under a no-pinch production regimen. However, pinching should never be applied to Magnum as this will flatten the shape and ruin the natural orb growth habit.

Vigor

It should be noted that the Magnum name applies only to the colossal blooms of these chrysanthemums, but not the vigor. The medium vigor of this series makes it highly flexible in different container sizes; performing well in small 4” (10 cm) containers all the way to premium 12” (30 cm) showcase planters.

Temperatures

If night temperatures fall below 57°F (14°C), premature bud-set is likely to occur. Reference the complete culture guide at DummenOrange.com for specific recommendations on how to prevent premature bud set on Magnum mums.

Natural season vs. black cloth

Magnum Pink should not be used in black cloth production, but Magnum Orange performs well with a 6-week shaded response time. Keep in mind that, as with all garden mums, flower size will be maximized if grown under natural season conditions. Magnum Orange has a natural season response time of week 37, which is generally the second or third week in September. Magnum Pink is earlier, with a week 35-36 response time.

Consumer and retail appeal

The Home Garden Panel splits consumers into two rough categories: diggers and decorators. During spring sales, more shoppers align with the “digger” description: those that appreciate the diversity in selection offered throughout that time of year. During the autumn, however, most consumers purchasing plants fall into the “decorator” category. These consumers want color — lots of it — that lasts as long as possible.

The nearly dahlia-sized flowers of the Magnum series not only provide a dramatic barrage of color at retail, but with proven color retention, they continue to perform for the consumer well after purchase, making return business almost guaranteed.